Kim Se-jin Builds New Vision for the Soop Soopers

By Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius) ||

As the Soop Soopers prepare for their first season in the women’s V-League, head coach Kim Se-jin faces a familiar challenge: building a competitive volleyball team from the ground up. The former South Korean volleyball star, who previously guided expansion side OK Savings Bank to consecutive men’s V-League championships, has returned to coaching with a new mission in Gwangju. This time, however, he acknowledges that success may require patience.

Speaking ahead of the 2026–2027 season, Kim admitted that the newly established club remains a work in progress after just two and a half months of preparation. “Every team should aim to win the championship, and that is naturally our ambition,” Kim said. “But we also have to recognize the difficulties we face. This will be a season of learning, overcoming challenges, and improving step by step.”

Building a Team Around Defense

The Soop Soopers emerged following the takeover of the former AI Peppers organization, which had struggled throughout its five seasons in the women’s V-League. The previous club finished at the bottom of the standings for four consecutive seasons before placing sixth last season. Although the new ownership offers a fresh start, Kim inherits a squad undergoing significant changes.

The departures of national-team-caliber outside hitters Park Jeong-ah and Lee Han-bi have left substantial gaps in the attack, while both foreign-player positions have also changed. “Two of our main attackers have left, and that is a considerable loss,” Kim acknowledged. “Practice matches have shown that our attacking efficiency is not where we want it to be. We have to find another way to compete.”

Rather than relying on individual attacking power, Kim intends to establish a disciplined defensive system built around positioning, communication, and coordinated movement. He has introduced clearly defined responsibilities for players during defensive situations, emphasizing cover plays and efficient movement instead of simply chasing the ball. “We have spent a lot of time discussing basic systems, defense and coverage,” he explained. “We even put diagrams on the walls of our training facility so the players can repeatedly see and understand their responsibilities.”

Kim believes the team’s defensive resources provide a foundation for improvement. Veteran outside hitters Jeon Sae-yan and Song Eun-chae were recruited partly for their defensive stability, while national-team libero Han Da-hye and Yoo Ga-ram form a dependable backcourt combination.

“Our liberos are certainly competitive with those of other teams,” Kim said. “They will have an important responsibility because we need strong receiving and defense to support our attack.”

Foreign signings Audriana Fitzmorris and Chinese middle blocker Xue Yizhi also offer considerable height and blocking ability. However, integrating the newcomers into the team’s developing system remains an immediate priority. Kim expressed particular concern about the pressure on his setters, who must establish combinations with unfamiliar attackers while coping with limited offensive options.

Experience Meets a New Challenge

Kim’s coaching credentials provide reasons for optimism. A celebrated left-handed attacker during his playing career, he was also a founding member of Samsung Fire and Marine Insurance’s volleyball team. He later led OK Savings Bank, another newly established club, to consecutive V-League titles.

Those experiences have given him confidence in managing a team through its formative stages, although he recognizes the differences between coaching men’s and women’s volleyball. Kim said he now places greater emphasis on detailed explanations, communication, and considering the entire team’s development rather than concentrating exclusively on technical performance. “When I coached OK Savings Bank, I was constantly pushing forward,” he recalled. “That passion has not disappeared, but now I think more carefully about what we can achieve collectively.”

Above all, Kim wants to create an environment in which players can enjoy volleyball without becoming overwhelmed by expectations. “If players start feeling afraid or trying to avoid mistakes, they will only think about what might go wrong,” he said. “I want them to feel that playing volleyball is enjoyable.”

Seeking Support from Gwangju

Kim believes progress should initially be measured through individual points, sets, and improved teamwork rather than immediate victories. The coach also emphasized the importance of support from the club’s new home community, particularly during what could be a difficult opening season. “We need time to develop,” Kim said. “I hope local supporters will come to the stadium, encourage our players, and follow our progress.”

For the Soop Soopers, the immediate objective is to establish stability and a recognizable playing identity. Whether Kim can eventually repeat his championship success with another newly established team remains uncertain. For now, his message is straightforward: Build the system, develop confidence, and take the first steps toward winning.

Cover Photo: Head coach Kim Se-jin receives the team flag during the Soop Soopers inauguration ceremony. (Soop)